Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander has captured breathtaking images of a rare total solar eclipse from the Moon’s surface for the first time in history. The privately operated lunar lander touched down on March 2, 2025, in Mare Crisium and recently transmitted stunning photographs of the “diamond ring” effect during the total lunar eclipse on March 14, 2025.
The Blue Ghost lander observed this event when Earth passed directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. From a unique vantage point, the spacecraft experienced a solar eclipse where Earth blocked the Sun from view, producing the same dramatic phenomenon in the lunar sky as seen on Earth during total solar eclipses.
The diamond ring effect occurs when sunlight streams through valleys and ridges along the Moon’s surface just before or after totality. However, with Blue Ghost on the Moon, the effect was reversed, with Earth itself becoming the eclipsing body, obscuring the Sun and producing a dazzling display of light in the lunar sky.
Blue Ghost’s cameras and instruments captured high-quality images of the eclipse, including the solar corona peeking around the edges of Earth, creating a bright halo of light in the darkness of the lunar sky. The spacecraft’s onboard imaging systems provided clear views of the event, allowing for valuable scientific data to be collected.
The ability to observe and document eclipses from the Moon opens new possibilities for lunar-based astronomy, providing absolute clarity over atmospheric conditions that can distort visibility on Earth. These images also contribute to scientific studies on how sunlight interacts with planetary bodies and their atmospheres.
Blue Ghost’s success underscores the growing role of private space companies in lunar exploration, expanding opportunities for scientific discovery and long-term exploration. The lander is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, which aims to promote private sector participation in lunar science and technology development.
With its successful landing and eclipse observations, Blue Ghost will continue operating as long as its systems remain functional. The mission serves as a precursor to future Firefly Aerospace lunar missions, including resource exploration projects that could support the establishment of sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/03/private-lunar-lander-diamond-ring-eclipse